:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69845335/usa_today_16691286.0.jpg)
It’s game day Beaver Nation! The Beavers home-opener is against a familiar foe in the Rainbow Warriors of Hawaii.
Location: Corvallis, Oregon (Reser Stadium)
Date/Time: Saturday, September 11th at 8:00 PDT
TV: FS1
Radio: BEAVER SPORTS NETWORK
Here’s the match-ups to watch today:
1. Chance Nolan vs. Hawaii’s Secondary
Jonathan Smith didn’t want to tip his hand, but I think Chance Nolan gets the start today. I wouldn’t be surprised to see multiple quarterbacks play again this week (especially if Gebbia is somehow ready to go). Whoever is behind center they should be able to put up points against Hawaii. Portland State’s, Davis Alexander, threw for 400 yards last week against this Hawaii team.
2. B.J. Baylor vs. Trey Lowe vs. Deshaun Fenwick
This is more of an internal competition for Oregon State. But one of these running backs need to step up and take over as the lead back. Trey Lowe looked most dangerous to me against Purdue. UCLA rushed for 244 yards (5.7 YPC) in week zero against Hawaii. Look for the Beavers to try a similar approach this evening.
3. Beaver’s Defensive Line vs. Hawaii’s Offensive Line
Chevan Cordeiro is Hawaii’s star quarterback. If Hawaii wins this game it’ll will be because Cordeiro has plenty of time in the pocket to pick apart Oregon State’s secondary. Portland State managed to sack Cordeiro 4 times last week. The Beavers defense certainly looks faster and much improved, but pass-rushers are in short supply (especially if Addison Gumbs does not make an appearance).
Saturday evening should be a fun environment in Reser Stadium as fans will be in the building for the first time in way too long. Let’s hope the Beavers can rely on their offensive line and stable of running backs to control the time of possession and keep Chevan Cordeiro on the sidelines. If it turns into a shootout it could be a replay of the last time these teams played. With Oregon State being double-digit favorites, let’s hope this game isn’t a nail-biter in the final minutes. Go Beavers!